10550880

Hinge Module for a Foldable Type Device

PublishedFebruary 4, 2020
Assigneenot available in USPTO data we have
InventorsYu-Tsun HSU
Technical Abstract

Patent Claims
8 claims

Legal claims defining the scope of protection. Each claim is shown in both the original legal language and a plain English translation.

Claim 1

Original Legal Text

1. A hinge module for a foldable type device, respectively connected with a first supporting member and a second supporting member for moving the first supporting member and the second supporting member in a linkage way, so as to have the first supporting member and the second supporting member turned in an opposite direction, and the first supporting member and the second supporting member simultaneously connected to a flexible display; the hinge module comprising: a first turning member, including a first base and a first cover plate, where one end of the first base is connected to the first supporting member, another end of the first base has a first semi-circular space, the first base is provided with a first turning space and a first limiting space in communication with each other; a first swinging member, one end of which is connected to the first cover plate, and another end of which is limited in the first limiting space and presses against a first elastic member, where the first swinging member has a middle part and the middle part is provided with a first supporting part, the first supporting part is positioned in the first turning space so as to have two ends of the first swinging member swung in a reverse direction; a second turning member, including a second base and a second cover plate, where one end of the second base is connected to the second supporting member, the second base is provided with a second turning space and a second limiting space in communication with each other; a second swinging member, one end of which is connected to the second cover plate, and another end of which is limited in the second limiting space and presses against a second elastic member, where the second swinging member has a middle part and the middle part is provided with a second supporting part, the second supporting part is positioned in the second turning space so as to have two ends of the second swinging member swung in a reverse direction; a semi-circular hinge set, pivotally positioned in the first semi-circular space of the first turning member so as to have the first turning member and the second turning member turned in an opposite direction.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 2

Original Legal Text

2. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 1 , wherein the first base includes a first end portion and a first body, one end of the first end portion is connected to the first supporting member, and another end of the first end portion has a first cover part, the first end portion has the first turning space and the first limiting space; wherein the first body is connected to the first end portion, and one end of the first body has the first semi-circular space.

Plain English Translation

A hinge module for foldable electronic devices addresses the need for durable, compact, and reliable mechanisms that enable flexible movement between device sections. The module includes a first base with a first end portion and a first body. The first end portion connects to a first supporting member at one end and features a first cover part at the opposite end. This end portion contains a first turning space, allowing rotational movement, and a first limiting space, which restricts excessive motion to prevent damage. The first body, attached to the first end portion, includes a first semi-circular space at one end, facilitating smooth articulation and structural support. This design ensures stable folding and unfolding while protecting internal components from stress or misalignment. The module integrates with other hinge components to provide a robust, space-efficient solution for foldable devices, enhancing durability and user experience.

Claim 3

Original Legal Text

3. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 1 , wherein the first supporting part is a protrusion having a first outer curved surface, and the first turning space has a first inner curved surface for supporting the first outer curved surface.

Plain English Translation

A hinge module for foldable electronic devices addresses the challenge of providing stable and durable rotational support while minimizing wear and maintaining structural integrity during repeated folding and unfolding. The module includes a first supporting part designed as a protrusion with a first outer curved surface, which engages with a first turning space having a first inner curved surface. The inner curved surface of the turning space supports the outer curved surface of the protrusion, ensuring smooth and controlled rotation. This design reduces friction and wear by distributing contact forces evenly across the curved surfaces, enhancing the longevity of the hinge mechanism. The module may also include additional components, such as a second supporting part and a second turning space, to further stabilize the device during rotation. The interaction between the curved surfaces allows for precise alignment and consistent performance, making the hinge module suitable for foldable smartphones, tablets, or other flexible electronic devices. The overall structure ensures durability, reliability, and a seamless user experience by maintaining structural integrity over extended use.

Claim 4

Original Legal Text

4. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 2 , wherein the second base includes a second end portion and a second body, one end of the second end portion is connected to the second supporting member, another end of the second end portion has a second cover part, the second end portion has the second turning space and the second limiting space; the second body is connected to the second end portion.

Plain English Translation

A hinge module for foldable electronic devices addresses the challenge of providing stable and durable mechanical support while allowing smooth folding and unfolding. The module includes a second base with a second end portion and a second body. The second end portion connects to a second supporting member at one end, while the opposite end features a second cover part. The second end portion contains a second turning space, which accommodates rotational movement, and a second limiting space, which restricts excessive motion to prevent damage. The second body is attached to the second end portion, providing structural reinforcement and alignment. This design ensures controlled folding and unfolding while maintaining device integrity. The second cover part may include additional components, such as sensors or protective elements, to enhance functionality. The hinge module is part of a larger assembly that enables seamless transitions between folded and unfolded states, improving user experience and device longevity. The second supporting member interacts with the second end portion to distribute stress evenly, reducing wear and tear. This configuration is particularly useful in foldable smartphones, tablets, and other portable devices where durability and smooth operation are critical.

Claim 5

Original Legal Text

5. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 4 , wherein one end of the first body has a first semi-annular body, the first semi-annular body has the first semi-circular space, and the semi-circular hinge set includes a first semi-circular shaft and a semi-circular sleeve; the first semi-circular shaft is positioned in the first semi-circular space, and the semi-circular sleeve is connected to the first semi-circular shaft, and one end of the semi-circular sleeve has a second semi-circular shaft and a second semi-annular body that are coaxial, the second semi-circular shaft abuts the first semi-circular shaft, and between the second semi-circular shaft and the second semi-annular body is provided with a first semi-annular groove into which the first semi-annular body inserts; a second semi-annular body is provided on one side of the second end portion, and another end of the semi-circular sleeve has a third semi-circular shaft and a fourth semi-annular body that are coaxial, between the third semi-circular shaft and the fourth semi-annular body is provided with a second semi-annular groove into which the second semi-annular body of the second end portion is inserted.

Plain English Translation

A hinge module for foldable devices includes a first body with a first semi-annular body at one end, forming a first semi-circular space. A semi-circular hinge set comprises a first semi-circular shaft positioned in the first semi-circular space and a semi-circular sleeve connected to the shaft. One end of the sleeve has a second semi-circular shaft and a second semi-annular body, which are coaxial. The second semi-circular shaft abuts the first semi-circular shaft, and a first semi-annular groove between them accommodates the first semi-annular body. A second semi-annular body is provided on one side of a second end portion. The other end of the sleeve has a third semi-circular shaft and a fourth semi-annular body, coaxial with a second semi-annular groove between them. This groove receives the second semi-annular body of the second end portion, enabling a foldable connection between the first and second bodies. The design allows for smooth rotation and secure alignment of the connected components, addressing the need for durable and precise hinges in foldable electronic devices.

Claim 6

Original Legal Text

6. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 5 , wherein the semi-circular hinge set further includes a connecting member for connecting the first semi-circular shaft with the semi-circular sleeve.

Plain English translation pending...
Claim 7

Original Legal Text

7. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 5 , wherein one side of the first semi-annular body has a pressing part, and the pressing part extends into the first semi-circular space, the semi-circular sleeve has at least one mounting hole, and the mounting hole has a spring pin therein, peripheries of the spring pin press against the pressing part.

Plain English Translation

This invention relates to hinge modules for foldable electronic devices, addressing the need for durable, compact, and stable hinge mechanisms that can withstand repeated folding and unfolding while maintaining structural integrity. The hinge module includes a first semi-annular body with a pressing part extending into a first semi-circular space. A semi-circular sleeve is provided with at least one mounting hole containing a spring pin. The spring pin's peripheries press against the pressing part, creating a secure and adjustable connection. This design ensures smooth rotational movement while preventing excessive play or misalignment. The pressing part and spring pin interaction allows for controlled resistance during folding, enhancing durability and user experience. The module is designed to integrate seamlessly into foldable devices, providing a robust and reliable hinge solution. The spring pin's adjustable pressure ensures consistent performance over time, reducing wear and tear. This invention improves upon existing hinge mechanisms by offering a more compact and efficient design while maintaining high structural stability.

Claim 8

Original Legal Text

8. The hinge module for a foldable type device according to claim 1 , wherein the second supporting part is a protrusion having a second outer curved surface, and the second turning space has a second inner curved surface for supporting the second outer curved surface.

Plain English Translation

A hinge module for foldable electronic devices addresses the challenge of providing stable and durable support during repeated folding and unfolding motions. The module includes a first supporting part and a second supporting part, where the second supporting part is a protrusion with a second outer curved surface. This protrusion is designed to engage with a second turning space, which has a second inner curved surface that supports the second outer curved surface. The interaction between these curved surfaces ensures smooth rotation and minimizes wear, enhancing the longevity of the hinge mechanism. The module also includes a first turning space with a first inner curved surface that supports a first outer curved surface of the first supporting part, allowing for controlled folding and unfolding. The hinge module may further include a first rotation shaft and a second rotation shaft, which facilitate the rotational movement of the device's components. The design ensures that the device maintains structural integrity while accommodating repeated bending, making it suitable for foldable smartphones, tablets, or other flexible electronic devices. The curved surfaces and supporting parts work together to distribute stress evenly, preventing deformation and improving overall durability.

Patent Metadata

Filing Date

Unknown

Publication Date

February 4, 2020

Inventors

Yu-Tsun HSU

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